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Lumbago

Lumbago is an old term used to describe pain in the lower back

Lumbago is a common back complaint affecting 80% of the Western world. It is normally associated with overworking the joints in the lower back but it can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other infections. In this page, our muscle and joint expert Earle Logan talks about the symptoms and causes of lumbago, and suggests a range of herbal and self-help solutions to ease any stiffness or pain.

Lumbago is another term for lower back pain, a condition experienced by up to 80% of people in the industrialised Western world at some point in their lives. Read about the causes, symptoms and treatment of lumbago as well as how the term came about to describe low back pain below:

The term first appeared in the 1600s, then used mainly by doctors. It became more popular amongst the non-medical population and was widely used even in the 1960s and 70s.

The term lumbago is derived from Latin – with lumbus meaning loin. Hence, lumbago means ‘weakness in the loins’ (which does conjure up a number of visions), or alternatively, ‘weakness in the lower back’ which is a more accurate description.

We commonly consider lower back pain to be a modern-day phenomenon and indeed, it appears that the sedentary lifestyle enjoyed in our civilised world may contribute to the problem. However, the fact that lumbago was described in the 1600s suggests that our ancestors also suffered back problems.

It is likely however, that in those days, it was not a lack of exercise or bad posture that contributed to the problem, but rather, degenerative conditions such as arthritis.

Just as with any problem leading to back pain, the cause of lumbago is not always obvious or easy to identify, even after medical investigations or tests.

The lumbar region, or lower back, has the responsibility of bearing a considerable amount of the body’s weight, and it does so whilst allowing a wide degree of free movement at our waist. These forces can sometimes be too much for the structures, such as the muscles, ligaments and tendons, supporting us. Most often, lumbago arises as a result of a mechanical problem in the joints and muscles of our lower back. This basically means some form of disruption to the way joints in the area work, leading to inflammation and pain. This non-specific term also means that science still does not know precisely why these problems occur.

Sometimes, lumbago can come about as a result of ‘wear and tear’ of the joints of the lower back or some other form of degeneration of joint surfaces as a result of ‘overwork or overuse’. This is sometimes referred to as rheumatism and is more likely to occur in older people.

Other causes of low back pain are less common. These include rheumatoid arthritis, infections, assorted bone disorders and cancer.

The main symptom of lumbago is pain in the lower back or lumbar region of the spine. This is usually associated with aching, muscle tension and stiffness in the lower back which may be severe enough to interrupt normal everyday activities and movement. Sometimes, this pain may be described as a back strain.

Other symptoms of lumbago include pain radiating down one or both legs. When this happens, it indicates that a nerve is either irritated or ‘trapped’ in the back – a condition known as sciatica.

See your doctor If your back pain is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Treatment of lumbago usually starts with the need for pain relief. This may be achieved with the use of everyday pain-killers such as aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen – either purchased from your pharmacy or prescribed by your doctor. Alternatively, herbal pain medication such as Arnica gel or A.Vogel's Devil’s claw can be used.

From the conventional point of view, low back pain is treated using physiotherapy and exercise. Those using complementary therapies will be aware of osteopathy and chiropractic treatments as well as acupuncture in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions such as lumbago.

Some foods can increase inflammation and discomfort, whilst others can actually reduce it and relieve pain. Discover which foods you should eat fewer of (some might surprise you) and what you should eat more of instead, when suffering from muscle & joint pain.

Being side-lined by muscle or joint pain isn’t fun – especially if you lead a particularly busy or active lifestyle! Luckily our Muscles & Joints Advisor Earle Logan is here to provide you with regular updates, tips and advice on back pain, strains, joint pain and muscle pain.

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20 Comments

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Kathryn — 19.02.2018 15:55
Hi I'm Kathryn and for 7 weeks now I have been in total agony it started with lower back pain and now the pain shoots down my leg into my calf sometimes into my toes I'm scheduled for an x-ray tomorrow 19/2/2018 hopefully find out what is causing it some days u van walk some days i struggle

Andy thomas — 06.02.2018 00:28
Hi Earle,
My name is Andy and I have been struggling with lower back stiffness/sciatica and possibly priformis pain. I was advised rest would help but pain seems to be consistent to my day to day activities. I have not played sport in 6 months and feel a bit down. Any advice and possible product that could help?
Many thanks
Andy thomas

Earle — 07.02.2018 17:42
Hello Andy
Unfortunately, Lumbago has several causes as does sciatica, due to the numerous tissues in the region and factors such as posture, degenerative disc issues, spinal curvature plus habits such as sitting for long periods. Therefore it’s down to a physio to examine individuals before specific exercises can be recommended confidently. However, a piriformis stretch can relieve some cases of Lumbago and sciatica. Here’s how to do it: https://www.askdoctorjo.com/piriformis-syndrome
For a degree of pain relief that might enable you to perform the stretch, try applying our Atrogel half an hour beforehand and have a warm shower or bath if necessary.
Do persevere as the piriformis will only lengthen gradually over a week or two of daily stretching.